Beagle discusses such a measurement a little bit, and it makes sense to me that one could be made if one were to wish to take the trouble. Search for all threads started by Beagle - there are only a couple.

I agree. That's why I suggested that, if in doubt about the status and history of the chain, many of us might be best served by installation of a new chain. After that, a check of timing by the valve lift method would be in order. If it were spot-on, great. If not, then the sprocket would have to come off to see what sort of key is in place before selecting a new one.

You'll find some discussion of offset keys in Beagle's post.

"The worn sprockets won't cause any additional wear on the chain"--Brian

You are not an old motorcycle rider...

Let's keep to the M/B.

You think the chain will suffer excessive wear, inside the links, due to a worn sprocket? Let's say you are right. This results in some additional clearance between the sprockets and the chain. The timing will be affected ever so slightly.

It's not comparable to wear in the pins, which translate into an elongation of the entire chain.

http://www.maintenanceresources.com/ReferenceLibrary/RollerChainDrives/maintenancepg1.htm

" Do not run new chain on worn sprockets as it will cause the new chain to wear rapidly. Conversely, do not run a worn chain on new sprockets as it will cause the new sprockets to wear rapidly."

The specifications are in a link in post #4

Danny

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